Carolina Criminal Defense & DUI Lawyer UpdatesJury selection in North Carolina criminal cases follows a structured process governed by state statute, and what happens during “voir dire” can shape the outcome of a trial in ways that are not always visible to defendants sitting at the defense table. The decision about who sits on a jury ordinarily involves multiple rounds of questioning, different types of legal challenges, and procedural protocols. When something unexpected happens during jury selection, such as a juror raising a concern about fairness after already being selected for the jury panel, the law provides steps for how courts and lawyers respond. Understanding how things work can matter if you’re facing a criminal charge in North Carolina.
TL;DR Jury selection in North Carolina criminal cases involves two distinct types of challenges, challenges for cause and peremptory challenges, each governed by separate statutory procedures. When a juror raises a concern after being accepted, the law under N.C. Gen. Stat. section 15A-1214(g) provides a specific process for addressing concerns, including the possibility of reopening voir dire. Whether a defendant can later challenge a jury selection decision on appeal may depend on exhausting available peremptory challenges.
Bill Powers has helped clients in North Carolina for more than thirty years. Bill enjoys teaching and hosting continuing legal education programs. If you are facing a serious criminal charge in North Carolina, such as Misdemeanor Death by Vehicle or Felony Serious Injury or Felony Death by Vehicle involving DUI charges, and have questions about how the trial process works, please call Bill Powers and the criminal defense team at Powers Law Firm at 704-342-4357 to schedule a consultation.